Hotel in Salamat Region, Chad
Camp Nomade Zakouma
Exclusive luxury safari camp in Zakouma National Park with only 8 guests per week. Spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms, gourmet meals, and exceptional wildlife viewing. One of Africa's most intimate safari experiences with expert guides.
Camp Nomade Zakouma is an exclusive luxury safari camp set within Zakouma National Park in the Salamat Region of southeastern Chad. The camp operates under the management framework of African Parks, the conservation organization that has led the dramatic recovery of Zakouma's wildlife populations — particularly its elephant herds — since taking over park management in 2010. This conservation context gives Camp Nomade Zakouma a dimension rare among luxury safari experiences globally: guests witness firsthand the results of one of Africa's most successful wildlife recoveries.
The camp accepts a maximum of eight guests per week, making it one of the most intimate safari accommodations on the continent. This strict capacity limit is intentional: it minimizes ecological impact, ensures truly private game-viewing experiences, and allows expert guides to tailor each outing to the specific interests and fitness levels of the small group. Advance booking many months ahead is essential, as the camp operates at or near capacity throughout its season.
Eight spacious en-suite tented chalets are positioned to maximize views across the surrounding savanna. Each tent features quality furnishings, full beds with mosquito netting, and private bathroom facilities with hot-water showers — a remarkable provision given the remote location. Electricity is generated on-site, enabling reliable power for lighting, fans, and device charging.
All meals are included in the all-inclusive rate, which ranges from approximately $650 to $850 per person per night. The kitchen team prepares multi-course meals that often include bush dinners served by firelight, combining Chadian culinary traditions with French-influenced preparation. Sundowner drinks at scenic vantage points within the park are a regular feature of the daily programme.
Game-viewing at Zakouma centers on the park's large elephant population, which has rebounded to over 600 individuals, alongside significant herds of buffalo, topi, roan antelope, Kordofan giraffe, and an exceptional concentration of waterbirds around the park's seasonal pools. Lion and leopard are also present. Expert naturalist guides lead morning and evening game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, with night drives available in select zones.
Access from N'Djamena involves either a 12-hour road journey on unpaved tracks or a charter flight to the park's airstrip — the latter is strongly recommended and can be arranged through African Parks. The camp operates seasonally, generally from November through May, when the dry season concentrates wildlife around remaining water sources.
Amenities
- full board
- game drives
- expert guides
- bush dinners
- sundowners
- laundry
- private camp
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +235 66 29 17 79
Location
Zakouma National Park, Salamat Region, Chad
10.8925, 19.8203 — View on map
Highlights
- Maximum 8 guests per week ensuring an exceptionally intimate and private safari experience
- Witnessing Zakouma's recovered elephant herd, among Africa's most celebrated conservation success stories
- All-inclusive luxury with gourmet bush dinners by firelight in a remote savanna setting
- Expert African Parks naturalist guides with deep knowledge of Zakouma's wildlife and ecosystems
- Exceptional waterbird diversity around seasonal pools, with over 370 species recorded in the park
Tips
- Book 6–12 months in advance as the camp's 8-guest weekly limit fills quickly throughout the dry season
- Arrange charter flights from N'Djamena through African Parks — the overland route is a full day on rough, unpaved roads
- Bring lightweight neutral-colored clothing; bright colors and white are discouraged on game drives
- Arrive after October when the dry season concentrates wildlife at remaining water sources for optimal viewing
- Carry sufficient quantities of any prescription medication as resupply is not possible in the park
FAQ
How do I reach Camp Nomade Zakouma from N'Djamena?
The camp can be reached by charter flight to Zakouma's airstrip (approximately 1.5 hours from N'Djamena) or by a 12-hour overland road journey on unpaved tracks. African Parks can arrange charter flights for guests, which is the strongly recommended option.
What wildlife can visitors expect to see at Zakouma?
Zakouma is best known for its recovered elephant population of over 600 individuals. The park also hosts large herds of buffalo, topi, roan antelope, Kordofan giraffe, hippo, lion, and leopard. Waterbird concentrations around seasonal pools are exceptional during the dry season.
Is the all-inclusive rate comprehensive?
The rate of $650–850 per person per night covers accommodation, all meals, game drives with expert guides, laundry, and park activities. International flights, charter flights to Zakouma, and personal items are additional.
When does Camp Nomade Zakouma operate?
The camp operates during the dry season, generally from November through May. This period concentrates wildlife around remaining water sources, making game-viewing most productive. Park roads are impassable during the rainy season from June to October.
Accessibility
Camp Nomade Zakouma involves unpaved tracks, uneven savanna terrain, and tented accommodation that is not designed for wheelchair access. The remote location and absence of nearby medical facilities make the camp unsuitable for guests with significant mobility limitations or complex medical conditions. Guests with any health concerns should consult African Parks staff before booking.
When to visit
November to May is the operating season, with December to March generally offering the best game-viewing as water sources shrink and wildlife concentrates. Elephant herds are most visible near the seasonal pools during these months, and temperatures are at their most manageable.